Caldas' input in the Primeira Liga consisted of ten games for F.C.
Caldas began coaching whilst still an active player, with Leixões SC.
He subsequently returned to Braga, being in charge of both the youth and the reserve sides and helping launch the career of Eduardo Carvalho, who went on to gain several caps for Portugal.
In 2006–07, Caldas managed G.D. Chaves before he returned to Braga, again being in charge of the under-19s, but after the sacking of Manuel Machado he was promoted to the main squad of SC Braga where in 2007–2008 he qualified the team in to the first Intertoto Cup Qualification of the UEFA Cup.
He made history with Interclub, it was the first time a team of Angola reached the semi-final of the CAF Champions league.